US Media Reflects on Lindsey Graham’s Shifting Politics and Role as Trump Ally
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, American media outlets have been examining the political record of Lindsey Graham, describing him as a figure whose extreme shifts in political stances made him more than just an ordinary politician, but one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies. Trump himself referred to Graham as a “dear friend” and “like a member of his family.”
Many American newspapers have focused on the vacuum left by Graham’s death within the Republican Party and the Trump administration. However, David Rothkopf, a columnist for The Daily Beast, characterized Graham’s political career as that of a “chameleon” who was a master of “political dance” in Washington. Rothkopf asserts that the praise for Graham from both Democrats and Republicans reflects a moral crisis in the American political establishment, which he terms the “club of evil in Washington.” The Daily Beast author believes Graham was a deceptive opportunist who traded his principles for social influence, altering his positions before the media and voters based on what served his personal interests. The article suggests Graham paved the way for the spread of malice and became an effective tool for solidifying Trump’s policies and legitimizing him, thereby undermining American democracy.
Rothkopf notes Graham possessed “chameleon-like flexibility,” changing his political stances daily. He was prepared to support any trend, however nefarious or corrupt, to ensure his own survival in power. The Daily Beast adds that Graham transformed from one of Trump’s harshest critics during his initial 2016 presidential campaign to one of his most loyal allies after Trump entered the White House. Rothkopf lists other glaring contradictions in Graham’s positions, such as supporting Ukraine and then voting against military aid to it, condemning the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack while simultaneously refusing to hold Trump fully responsible for it. Politico magazine also pointed to these inconsistencies.
The article highlights that Graham utilized his legal expertise and connections in “club Washington” to advance agendas aimed at weakening the rule of law. Knowing the “rules of the game” well, he was more dangerous than explicit politicians who disdained the governing structure, as he was destroying the pillars of democracy while smiling and shaking hands with everyone. Politico emphasized that Donald Trump relied on Graham to quell Republican dissent and ensure his support in the Senate. A senior Republican advisor quoted in the report stated, “Lindsey spoke with unparalleled command and fluency in defense of Trump, which was unprecedented among members of the Senate.” The magazine described Graham as a man who successfully bridged his closeness to Trump, extensive relationships with Democrats, and the ability to negotiate with various parties, making him a crucial link between the White House and the Senate. The Atlantic magazine, in a report titled “Trump Loses His Right Arm,” wrote that his absence threatens the progress of several White House priorities, as he was the most capable mediator for managing the relationship between Trump and Congress.
While support for Tel Aviv in the United States has noticeably decreased among both Republicans and Democrats, particularly in light of the Gaza war’s repercussions, Graham remained an unwavering advocate for the policies and actions of the Israeli regime in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, and elsewhere. The New York Times reported that these positions enhanced his standing in Israel as one of the most powerful defenders of the US-Israel alliance. The newspaper’s report indicated that Graham’s stances went against the mainstream Republican Party, which was leaning towards “isolationism” and skepticism about global interventions, a factor that earned him widespread popularity in Israel. The newspaper noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his condolence message, described Graham as “a great friend of Israel.” According to the report, Graham played a pivotal role in pushing Washington towards war with Iran and supporting the normalization of relations between Israel and regional countries. The New York Times and Politico believe that Israel has lost a close ally with Graham’s death, someone who championed Israeli agendas in Washington’s ruling circles and conveyed Israeli concerns and plans to Trump. In May 2024, Graham called for the nuclear bombing of Gaza, stating that Tel Aviv should be equipped with the necessary “nuclear” bombs to end the war in Gaza, as “Israel cannot bear the casualties.”
Rothkopf, referencing praise for Graham from far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, described Ben-Gvir as “a real monster” and “an immoral man,” noting that praise from extremist and corrupt figures like Ben-Gvir and Trump for Graham served as a testament to his true character.
Graham’s death has triggered an early contest within the Republican Party to select his successor in the South Carolina Senate seat, with Republicans now facing the challenge of choosing the party’s nominee for the upcoming elections. Many American publications believe Graham was a figure for whom finding a replacement would be difficult, given the extensive influence he had cultivated over two decades. These media outlets consider Graham not just a prominent Republican senator but a cornerstone of the party in Washington. They argue that the true challenge for Republicans is not merely selecting a successor for his seat but finding an individual capable of fulfilling his political role within the Republican Party and managing the relationship between the White House and Congress.
